Job Tag: Conservation

The National Aquarium is seeking a Senior Aquarist to join our team. This individual provides assigned specimens with excellent day-to-day care through approved husbandry practices; keep systems/enclosures, support equipment, and workspaces well maintained to NA standards; participate in the acquisition/disposition, transport, acclimation, and quarantine of animals; participate in the design, construction and maintenance of exhibits and reserve tanks, including life support material and equipment, as assigned. Will be responsible for providing coverage for other areas as assigned. Will be primary contact for assigned areas. Serves as an advisor and mentor to Aquarist staff on all aspects of husbandry procedures and protocols. Trains staff and supervises volunteers, interns and team projects and acts as a leader and role model for other staff members. Primarily functions as a jelly aquarist within the Jellies Invasion gallery and Culture Lab in the Blue Wonders department.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Required:

Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Oceanography, or related major, or equivalent experience
Minimum of three years’ experience in aquarium or zoological field with emphasis on closed aquatic systems
Previous experience training and mentoring paid and/or unpaid staff within assigned section.
Significant experience caring for and culturing a variety of jellyfish species
Ability to be certified in the operation of a power lift truck and overhead crane
Ability and willingness to work a flexible schedule including weekends, holidays, and occasional evenings
Ability to obtain and maintain a valid and current motor vehicle operator’s license, maintain an acceptable driving record, and ability to learn to operate a variety of vehicles

Preferred:

Experience culturing live foods
Open water scuba certification
CPR/AED and basic First-Aid Certification
Possess a valid motor vehicle operator’s license and an acceptable driving record with the ability to operate a variety of vehicles

Gowanus Canal Conservancy (GCC) is seeking a Deputy Director to oversee planning and implementation of our work to build an equitable, thriving and resilient urban ecosystem in Gowanus — its waterway, urban forest, parks and open space — through education, stewardship, and advocacy that empower our community.

On the cusp of our 20th year, GCC has a proven track record of high-impact place-based programs engaging volunteers, K-12 students, youth apprentices, businesses, property owners and other neighbors. At a time of significant neighborhood change and investment, with the Superfund clean-up of the canal, an 80-block rezoning bringing 20,000 new residents to the neighborhood, and the development of a 20-acre network of parks and public space, GCC is scaling our capacity to manage new public spaces, to sustain and increase community engagement, to hold agencies and property owners accountable for capital commitments, and to support the growing neighborhood. A key strategy towards our vision is our facilitation of the formation of a Business Improvement District (BID) to ensure the maintenance of the public realm in Gowanus, to guarantee that all members of the community can enjoy emerging parks and public spaces, and to reinforce a vibrant live-work neighborhood.

Position Description
The Deputy Director is a newly created role designed to help lead GCC through a pivotal period of growth and transformation. Working in close partnership with the Executive Director (ED), the Deputy Director will lead organizational management, strengthening programs and operations while advancing GCC’s mission. As a key member of the senior leadership team, this person will play a central role in shaping GCC’s next chapter. The ideal candidate will bring vision, adaptability, and an entrepreneurial approach to mission-driven leadership. They will mentor and support our talented staff, ensure effective program implementation, align strategy across the organization, strengthen systems and processes, and plan for sustainable growth.

In the first year, the Deputy Director will focus on the responsibilities outlined below. As GCC continues to grow, responsibilities will evolve and may be refined or transitioned to new team members. This role is expected to scale in scope and impact over time, offering opportunities to lead strategically, foster creativity and collaboration, and help drive lasting change for the organization and community.

Preferred Qualifications
Note: These qualifications are guidelines, not absolute requirements. If you have approximately 75% of the qualifications listed, we encourage you to apply.

Experience

10+ years of related experience with progressive responsibility, including:

NYC Public realm management (e.g., BIDs, conservancies, public agencies or other nonprofits)

Financial management (budgets, planning, financial reporting)

People and team management (direct supervision, mentorship, conflict resolution, performance management)

Proven relationship-building skills and the ability to navigate sensitive and politicized environments.

Experience collaborating with city, state, and federal agencies, private property owners, and diverse community partners.

Knowledge of and connection to the Gowanus neighborhood.

Skills and Approach

Deep emotional intelligence and capacity to support a diverse team and community.

Demonstrated creativity, initiative and an entrepreneurial approach to mission-based work and community engagement.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Strong problem-solving, time management, and prioritization abilities.

Proficiency in Microsoft Office and Google Suite.

Cleveland Metroparks Zoo is seeking a skilled collaborator and leader to take our conservation program to the next level. The Conservation Curator role will lead transformative conservation programs, represent our mission on local and global stages, and collaborate with dedicated teams within and beyond the Zoo. By fostering innovation and building connections, the Conservation Curator will help shape the future of conservation and empower others to join in this important work.

The ideal candidate is a passionate conservation professional with strong leadership, communication, and program management skills, capable of advancing impactful conservation initiatives locally and globally. They are a strategic thinker and relationship-builder who can manage funds with precision, inspire diverse audiences, and represent the Zoo as a leader in conservation.

Key Responsibilities:

Lead Conservation Strategy: Develop, plan, and manage the Zoo’s local and international field conservation programs in collaboration with Director of Conservation and Science, global partners, donors, and advisors. Provide leadership and support through board service, committee participation, and strategic collaboration with field partners.
Oversee Grant Programs & Manage Conservation Funds: Manage and administer competitive conservation grants, including proposal evaluation, award execution, and reporting. Oversee budgeting, allocation, disbursement, and reconciliation of Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Society conservation funds.
Participate in Leadership Teams: Serve on Zoo Management, Zoological Programs, and Conservation & Science Leadership Teams to guide strategic planning and decision-making.
Integrate Conservation Across Divisions: Collaborate and coordinate with other divisions and departments, including Zoo Society, to integrate field conservation programming into animal and veterinary programs, education and engagement, facility operations, guest experiences and revenue, donor engagement, and public events, fostering conservation awareness and action.
Educate and Inspire: Provide expertise, training, and guidance on conservation to staff, volunteers, students, and the broader community. Represent and communicate the Zoo’s conservation work through presentations, publications, media opportunities, and professional conferences.

Requirements

Education and Experience:

Master’s degree in conservation biology, zoology, ecology, or a closely related field is required, with a Ph.D. strongly preferred.
Five years of professional experience conducting field conservation projects, managing scientific grants, or overseeing grant writing and evaluation. This experience should include demonstrated leadership or supervisory responsibilities.
An equivalent combination of education, training, and relevant experience may be considered, provided it equips the candidate with the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities to succeed in the role.

Other Qualifications:

Strong knowledge of conservation issues and demonstrated success in developing and managing conservation programs.
Proven ability to build and maintain effective relationships with diverse stakeholders, including staff, international partners, and the general public.
Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to present ideas clearly and persuasively in both individual and group settings.
Strong organizational skills and attention to detail, with a consistent track record of accurate and efficient work.
Demonstrated leadership and business acumen, including strategic problem-solving, program management, deadline execution, and data-driven decision-making.
Collaborative mindset with the ability to work effectively across teams and departments.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and other relevant software tools.
Professional maturity and discretion, with the ability to handle confidential information responsibly.
Self-motivated and capable of working independently with a high level of initiative.
Valid driver’s license required.

This position, located in the DCR-Suffolk Regional Office, will work with seven Virginia Soil and Water Conservation Districts (SWCDs), serving numerous counties and cities. In this position, you will join a winning team and be responsible for the following duties:

Work as an integrated team member in support of DCR’s nonpoint source pollution (NPS) reduction efforts.
Provide leadership and support to enhance Virginia Soil and Conservation Districts’ (SWCDs) administrative capabilities and delivery of programs that improve water quality, including agricultural and urban best management practices.
Provide guidance and leadership to the SWCDs for delivery of the Virginia Agricultural Best Management Practices Cost-Share (VACS) Program.
Oversee agency funds disbursed to SWCDs and monitor use.
Manage grants and stimulate actions among SWCDs and other organizations resulting in nonpoint source pollution reductions.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation (DCR) is the state’s lead conservation agency, and it takes a diverse agency to conserve resources for a diverse commonwealth.

The Virginia Department of Conservation and Recreation offers paid leave; 13 paid holidays; medical, dental, vision, and life insurance; retirement plans (including 401a Cash Match and 457 Deferred Compensation Plan for classified positions, and VaLORS for law enforcement positions); and is a federally recognized Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) employer.

DCR’s Mission is to conserve the natural, scenic, historic, and cultural resources of the Commonwealth. We invite you to learn more about DCR’s efforts to CONSERVE.

Minimum Qualifications

Experience with or knowledge of agricultural production practices, nutrient management, and agricultural land-use issues.
Experience with or knowledge of NPS pollution fundamentals, including primary pollutants, their origins, and reduction strategies.
Work experience that demonstrates the ability to plan effectively, manage multiple and various projects, and perform duties with minimal supervision.
Experience with communicating orally and in writing with diverse groups of people from varying economic and educational situations.
Must possess strong written communication skills and experience with reporting data and completing written reports.
Knowledge of and proficiency in using MS Office Suite (word processing, spreadsheets, presentations) and other relevant software.

Additional Considerations

Experience with or knowledge of an agricultural-related field such as Agribusiness, Agricultural Economics, Agricultural Sciences, Agronomy, Crop and Soil science, Environmental Science, Agricultural Engineering, Animal/Poultry/Dairy Science, Horticulture, or related areas.
Experience with planning and coordinating training programs and performing group facilitation.

The Conservation Specialist position is focused on helping to conserve natural resources on private and public land in Gladwin County. The Conservation Specialist is a key member of the Gladwin Conservation District’s conservation planning team.

The Conservation Specialist provides technical assistance and education to both private landowners and public entities for the successful development and installation of conservation practices to conserve natural resources. The specialist evaluates natural resources (soil, water, animal, plant, and wildlife) and assists in conservation planning with specifications for conservation actions. The specialist serves as an information gateway to landowners, connecting them to the right resources for their needs. Wildlife habitat conservation planning needs may also be addressed by this position.

The Conservation Specialist also works in the community and partners with district staff to provide environmental education to local schools, agencies, partners, and the public.

Work is accomplished independently from, but may be coordinated with, the USDA Natural Resources Conservation Service (NRCS), and using NRCS resources, technical standards, and specifications where appropriate.

Partial funding for this position comes from an EGLE Watershed Council Grant and the Conservation Specialist will be expected to meet requirements that pertain to the position within this grant. Work will often involve collaboration with other partner organizations.

Minimum Qualifications

Bachelor’s Degree in an agricultural or natural resources-based field of study AND two years of directly related conservation planning experience; OR,
Five years of directly related conservation planning experience; OR,
Any equivalent combination of experience, training and/or education.
Proficiency using personal computer applications and programs is a must.
Excellent oral and written communication skills are required.
Sufficient mobility and ability, with or without reasonable accommodations, to perform the physical functions of the job, in the office or in the field (see “Job Conditions” below).
The ability to operate a motor vehicle during daylight hours, after dark, and during inclement weather. To carry out these assigned duties, a valid driver’s license is required.

The Project Manager manages a portfolio of land protection projects in a specific region which currently includes Mount Desert Island and surrounding islands, where MCHT was founded in 1970 and serves as the local land trust. This individual is responsible for developing and maintaining relationships with private landowners, partner organizations, communities and agencies to accomplish lasting conservation of priority properties. The position involves community outreach and engagement, real estate negotiation and financing, grant writing, fundraising, and communications for individual projects. The Project Manager oversees and manages a diverse project load within this region and staffs a local advisory committee.
Essential Job Functions:

Plan for, prioritize, initiate, and complete conservation projects in the designated region. This includes identifying important conservation opportunities; initiating contact and negotiating with landowners; responding to incoming opportunities; developing and implementing effective conservation strategies; providing education and consultation to the landowners, family members and their advisors; supporting project fundraising activities and successfully negotiating and closing multiple real estate acquisitions and transactions ranging from simple to complex in nature within the confines of authority from the Board of Directors and with guidance from our General Counsel.
Work directly with MCHT’s Stewardship Department to develop stewardship budgets for active land protection projects and assist with management planning for protected properties. Be MCHT’s expert regarding current work in land protection. Serve as a knowledgeable and respected land protection leader, advisor and spokesperson for MCHT and for partners including local, statewide, and national land trusts and organizations.
Represent MCHT at local, regional, state, and national levels at conferences, industry gatherings and committees, events, and with the media to highlight MCHT’s mission and projects, in coordination with the Communications Department.
Develop, maintain, and enhance the productive, strategic working relationships that are a hallmark of MCHT’s conservation programs, and form alliances with new partners.
Serve as the primary staff director for MCHT’s Mount Desert Island Region Committee, Develop and present brief written updates on specific projects or land protection priority areas to relevant MCHT Board Committees.
Oversee multiple contractors, ensure completeness and quality, and maintain professional relationships with surveyors, attorneys, and other contractors who perform various duties for MCHT in relation to land projects.
Perform special projects and other related duties as required, directed, or as the situation dictates.

Supervisory Responsibility:

Provides general oversight and supervision to outside contractors.
Education & Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in a field such as natural resources, land use planning, law, real estate, or communications with 4 years of experience in land use and conservation work, land project management or related field. In lieu of education, 6 to 7 years of previous experience in land protection involving aspects of negotiating and closing multiple real-estate transactions or other relevant experience.
Qualifications:

Strong commitment to land and water conservation, building healthier communities, conserving natural habitats, and connecting people to land.
Passion for and knowledge of MCHT mission and values.
Demonstrated commitment to the principles of diversity, equity, and inclusion.
Direct work experience in a natural resource field or community facilitation and engagement or planning field.
Experience in voluntary land protection techniques, landowner negotiations and completing land conservation projects preferred.
Experience overseeing contracts and engaging advisors or consultants.
Field skills such as working with map and compass, GPS systems, reading terrain, identifying and understanding natural resource sensitivities and constraints preferred.
Ability to effectively operate computers and assigned software, including Microsoft Office and Excel. A working knowledge of Arc GIS preferred.
Working knowledge of Maine’s geography, culture, flora and fauna preferred.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively and effectively as a team member: The ability to work autonomously while keeping the Associate Director of Land Protection, other staff and volunteers apprised of issues, problems, opportunities, and progress.
Strong organizational, planning, and multi-tasking skills with attention to detail and follow-up.
Proven ability to manage a large and diverse project load, complete assignments, meet deadlines and work within established budgets.
An ability to establish and maintain effective, close working relationships with a wide range of people and organizations. Demonstrated experience with Community organizing, planning or other engagement activities and the ability to work with diverse partners.
Discretion and proven responsibility for the handling of confidential, sensitive, and personal information is a must.

The Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay (Alliance) is a regional nonprofit organization whose vision is clean streams and rivers flowing through resilient landscapes, cared for by the people who live, work, and play in the Chesapeake Bay watershed; and whose mission is to bring together communities, companies, and conservationists to improve our lands and waters. The Alliance was founded in 1971 and has offices in Annapolis, MD, Lancaster, PA, Washington, D.C., and Richmond, VA.

Job Description: This Virginia-based position will work directly with farmers and rural landowners on a wide range of woodland and water quality improvement projects, focusing on forestry best management practices, community engagement, riparian and upland reforestation, and other related initiatives. The ideal location for this position will be in Augusta, Highland, Rockingham, Shenandoah, Page, Warren, or Frederick counties. However, strong candidates located in surrounding counties will be considered. The Forests Projects Associate is a fast-paced, full-time position working under the supervision of the Senior Agriculture Projects Manager to help advance the Alliance’s Forestry Program in Virginia and throughout the Chesapeake Bay Watershed.

This position has a strong focus on outreach to farmers and private landowners. Substantial fieldwork is necessary, so field-savviness is integral to this position.

This position has an 18-month term with the opportunity to transition to a permanent role based on funding availability and performance.

Minimum Qualifications & Experience

1+ years of professional experience (which may include internships) conducting outreach to and/or working with farmers or landowners on forestry best management practices. An advanced degree may be substituted for this professional experience qualification.
Plant identification experience, preferably native and invasive plants of the mid-Atlantic
Detail-oriented, organized, and able to manage multiple tasks and requests.
Effective communication and public speaking skills.
Ability to work successfully remotely and largely independently.

Summary:

Provides leadership and strategic vision for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program, while also directly providing oversight and personally contributing to the execution of ecological restoration and land management activities at Shaw Nature Reserve including invasive species control, native species seed collection, and prescribed fire. Provides guidance, training, and supervision for restoration staff and leads the SNR Volunteer Land Stewardship program. Ensures that ecological the restoration program is science-driven and adheres to best practices. Fosters relationships with donors, foundations, and strategic partners to support the Ecological Restoration Program. Effectively communicates restoration objectives and coordinates work activities with staff throughout SNR and other Garden divisions. Maintains long-term management plans for SNR natural areas.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

Manages and mentors a team of restoration staff and volunteers, providing leadership and strategic vision for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program to build internal capacity and serve as a regional model for best practices.
Develops, manages, and executes strategies for invasive species management & native seed collection.
Manages the SNR prescribed fire program and monitors, assesses, and adapts prescribed fire objectives in coordination with the SNR Ecological Resource Scientist.
Leads, supervises, and fosters the growth of the Volunteer Land Steward program.
Trains and supervises restoration technicians, seasonal interns, and volunteers. Manages and coordinates all restoration-related contractor activities at the Nature Reserve.
Serves as point of contact for agriculture tenants leasing SNR working lands.
Maintains current knowledge of restoration science and best management practices for ecological restoration.
Identifies funding opportunities and collaborates with SNR Director, Ecological Resource Scientist, and IA staff to prepare grant proposals and submit reports, both in a supporting role and as primary investigator, as needed.
Collaborates with the SNR Ecological Resource Scientist, the Garden’s Science and Conservation division, and other partners to facilitate ecological research and address restoration challenges at Shaw Nature Reserve.
Fosters relationships with donors, foundations, and strategic partners to sustain and expand support for the SNR Ecological Restoration Program and to build regional capacity for collaborative restoration initiatives.
Evaluates SNR natural communities to identify, document, and assess current conditions in addition to ongoing and emergent land management concerns.
Maintains and updates prioritized management plans for restoration strategies at SNR including invasive species management and prescribed fire.
Maintains and ensures execution of the seasonal cycle of restoration activities including time sensitive activities such as seed collection, herbicide treatments, firebreak preparation, and managing brush.
Ensures that restoration staff have the appropriate certifications and training including but not limited to; pesticide application, prescribed fire and equipment operation.
Collaborates with SNR Director and Facilities Manager to develop and execute strategies for providing the infrastructure, vehicles, equipment and implements necessary for operation of the restoration program.
Ensures that restoration activities are accurately recorded in the Restoration Web App geospatial database.
Follows and adheres to established policies and procedures, including but not limited to Employee Handbook, Garden Safety Guidelines and Department Policies.
Behaves and communicates in a manner that promotes a culture of teamwork and cooperation, within our division and throughout the Garden, with co-workers, supervisors/managers, volunteers, visitors and employees.
Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications/Experience:

Minimum 5-7 years related experience with ecological restoration and land management, including progressive supervisory and management experience.
Knowledge of regional native and invasive plant species, seed collection, and invasive species control.
Understanding of ecological concepts (particularly related to the natural communities of Missouri).
Ability to skillfully and safely operate a wide range of machinery (tractors, skid steers, chainsaws, etc.).

Experience with preparation of firebreaks and execution of prescribed fires in the capacity of crew boss.
The Garden is committed to the safety and wellbeing of our employees, volunteers and guests. All staff are strongly encouraged to receive all vaccinations as recommended by your healthcare provider prior to hire date. The Garden reserves the right to require future proof of current vaccination status, based on local health department guidelines. When international travel is necessary for Garden business, staff must be able to obtain required travel clearances, driving permits, and vaccinations for all countries where travel is required.
The requirements and duties listed are representative and not exhaustive of the knowledge and skills required.

Education:

Bachelor’s degree in botany, biology, forestry or related area required. Master’s degree preferred.
An equivalent combination of education, skills and experience may be considered.

McMillen, Inc is seeking a highly motivated and self-directed Natural Resource Consultant with at least 5 + years of experience to join our Environmental Services Group working on fisheries, fish habitat, and ecosystem services projects. Primary responsibilities include support for a variety of hydropower projects in the Pacific NW and Alaska, from the study development phase through in-field study implementation/data collection, analysis and reporting. Additionally, the selected applicant must be adaptive, able to multi-task and have a strong desire to grow and evolve long-term with a great team of quality aquatic ecologists here at McMillen. It is essential that the person in this position can work with a variety of personalities and develop positive, long-lasting relationships with existing and potential clients.

Responsibilities:

Lead and participate in multi-faceted field efforts related to fisheries, freshwater ecology, freshwater habitat, and other natural resource studies.
Assist with the preparation and management of well-written study plans and biological reports that adhere to the requisite project, state and federal requirements.
Participate in agency and stakeholder technical working group meetings, representing client interests, study plans and results, and team progress.
Collect, catalog, quality-control, analyze, and present data in a scientifically rigorous and approachable manner.
Support Project Managers with team and study logistics coordination and task management
Provide leadership to field teams and take ownership of discrete tasks and data products.
Demonstrate the ability to synthesize a wide variety of scientific information and develop clear, well organized written information and presentations for broad audiences.
Successfully balance multiple tasks and projects in a deadline-driven work environment.
Exhibit excellent verbal communication and writing skills
Holds yourself and others accountable to meet commitments.
Work independently from an office perspective and communicate effectively with team members via phone, email, remote meeting platforms, etc.
Job Requirements will include travel and substantial time in the field in sometimes challenging physical and/ weather conditions

Qualifications:

A minimum of 5 years of experience in aquatic evaluations related to anadromous and resident salmonids and/ or resident fish species the Pacific Northwest, British Columbia and/or Alaska.
Experience conducting fish behavior studies such as passage evaluations using radio, acoustic, PIT, or hydroacoustic technologies preferred but not required.
Experience conducting instream flow studies for salmonid species in freshwater riverine habitat is desired but not required.
Experience conducting aquatic studies in connection with developing impact assessments, regulatory compliance monitoring, project development, and/or long-term operations.
Bachelor’s degree in related technical discipline of Natural Resource Management, Environmental Science, Ecology, Biology, or Natural Science is required. A Masters’ degree is preferred, but applicable professional experience may be considered in lieu of an advanced degree.

Compensation Package:

Pay Range: $75,000-$100,000 DOE
Benefits: McMillen provides a full Benefits Program consisting of Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Disability, FSA, EAP, 401(k) and match, 9 Paid Holidays, generous PTO, opportunity for Stock Ownership and Wellness Reimbursement.

Description

This position requires hands-on gardening responsibilities for sun and shade situations and reports to Sr. Horticulturist.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

General garden maintenance. This will include but not be limited to watering, weeding, pruning, planting, pest control, fertilization, pesticide spraying, seasonal plant installations and other horticultural tasks.
Recognition of plant nutrition deficiencies
Recognition of pest infestation and damage
Serve as horticultural resource for the Garden
Work on special projects as assigned

Requirements

Associate’s degree in Horticulture, botany or related field or two years of hands-on professional gardening experience.
Computer literacy
Previous experience working in a public garden setting is a plus
Ability to operate hand and power garden equipment
Able to work well in a team or independent setting
Must have or obtain a Georgia Pesticide Applicator’s License

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be able to sustain moderate physical exertion with full range of body motion for lifting up to 50 lbs.
Ability to work outside in all weather conditions

MENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Excellent organizational and time management skills.
Ability to effectively respond to multiple, changing and often conflicting priorities is essential.
Must be able to effectively interact with the general public, co-workers and peer professionals.